‘Lateral Scaffolding’ – unique new e-model puts fun back into learning

VANDERBIJLPARK. – Since the beginning of the computer age, academics started their pursuit to use these “clever machines” as tools in education and skills training. E-learning soared in the first 1-7 years of the 2000’s worldwide, but took a serious nose dive when it became clear that most programs lack the ability to fully engage learners and seldom delivered the expected positive outcomes.
This situation, however, changed over the past 10 years thanks to new interventions made by the industry, to restore the credibility of e-learning. In this regard a unique new learning methodology called Lateral Scaffolding, was developed in the Vaal Triangle by Pieter van der Merwe of Moetapele Academy. And the academic world are taking note, locally as well as internationally, because this methodology can revolutionize the way learners study towards acquiring new skills.
Pieter took over ownership of Moetapele Academy (then Qualitas Career Academy) in 2013 from well-known business woman Hester Davis. The next year he attended the 2014 annual congress of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) in Washington to investigate the status and shortcomings of e-learning practices. The 2014 ASTD congress showcased elementary efforts in this new trend: gamification of learning materials. It was then that the seed for Pieter’s brainchild, Lateral Scaffolding, was planted.
On his return to South Africa, Pieter recruited his team at Moetapele Academy and together they were the first – at least in the merSETA sector – to successfully develop a fully-fledged e-learning version of a learner qualification. They designed a virtual (computerised) workplace environment with a storyline where the learner is the main player. Other characters were created, some supporting and others “sabotaging” the learner in the same way that it can happen in real life. This version was released in the SA market late in 2017 with a fair amount of success.
In 2018, after years of creative thinking, involvement in academic affairs, research and consulting, Pieter developed Lateral Scaffolding as a totally new and unique learning methodology. Being the architect, developer and sole provider, this concept was trademarked and is governed by a tight copyright regime. It differs considerably from the conventional linear learning methodology where the student has to work through textbooks, trying to make sense of how seemingly unrelated aspects fit together to form one comprehensible argument or thesis.
In Lateral Scaffolding the main concepts, sub concepts and details of each program are identified, and without changing the content at all, the concepts are rearranged in such a way that the learner constantly sees the big picture; how detail is grounded on the sub-concepts, and sub-concepts in the main concepts. This approach is built into a unique e-model, complete with artwork, characters and
storyline. The learning material is presented in a model that is similar to the process when building a house in real life. And, as in real life, the student can’t start building next walls or rooms in this e-model, if the foundation is not confirmed and the first wall or room aren’t completed.
Educational principles like regular repetition, visual and auditory effects, confirmed foundational knowledge and the art of associations (the Method of Loci) are used in Lateral Scaffolding to improve retention. And lastly, to enhance learner engagement and restore fun on the learning journey, the program is game-based with a target (i.e. a budget to complete the learning house) set to monitor and measure learner performance and pace.
“Almost any program can be converted to the Lateral Scaffolding model, in-house and induction training, short courses and qualifications,” says Pieter.
* He invites all business owners who would like to consider this model for their staff’s skills training, as well as academics or the general public interested in knowing more, to call Moetapele Academy on 016 100 1436 or email sales@moetapele.co.za. More information is also available on www.moetapele.co.za.